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Palazzo pant play | LGIP OOTD

Posted in Fashion, Lifestyle
on 06/22/2016

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Hey hey friends! Dressing up while at the beach is one of my favorite things to do (not sure what it is.. but taking a nice shower and putting on a beach outfit to go with my new tan makes me happy happy). Last week I was in Orange Beach, AL on a  little girls trip so we ended up going to dinner a few times during the course of the week.

Palazzo pants are a summer staple in my closet, and I think they are so easy to dress up or dress down. Since we were headed to a nicer restaurant, I paired these printed palazzos with a plain tank (tied up — aka one of my fave ways to style this Old Navy tank), a long pearl necklace (double wrapped as usual), and my latest obsession — OTBT Bushnell wedges.

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What do y’all wear when you go to dinner at the beach? Give me some ideas for my next beach trip in the comments below!

lots + lots of love,

madison

That’s so denim… | LGIP OOTD

Posted in Lifestyle
on 06/08/2016

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Photos by Zachary Weber.

shirt (similar) // denim skirt // shoes // purse // watch (similar) // bracelet (similar) // sunglasses

On the real y’all, I am so IN LOVE with this denim skirt trend that is coming back into style. There are so so many high waisted denim skirts on the market right now, I am so sure there is one to fit anyone’s style!! I styled my button front denim skirt (shoutout to my sis for letting me steal this bad boy) with a loose white tank and some simple jewelry. Lately, I can’t get enough of layering lots of necklaces to create some drama up top. My favorite combo is this velvet choker, Kendra necklace, and bar necklace. I’m still super into bralettes with any and every shirt I can get away with, so I threw one of those on today as well. My OTBT Bushnell’s have done it again, managing to be the perfect shoe for a day of exploring while still giving me some height and some polish. The 70’s vibe I’m getting from this look is everything!!

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Here are some of my favorite denim skirts on the market right now… Most of them are under $80, with the exception of just one!

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one // two // three // four

Are y’all into denim skirts for the summer?

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5 novels you should read this summer feat. Warby Parker glasses

Posted in Lifestyle
on 06/01/2016

When summer rolls around, I always leap towards the nearest bookstore to pick up a read for the summer. I immensely enjoy reading but I NEVER have any time during the school year to read for leisure (shout out to my boring textbooks). This summer I decided to make myself a little summer reads list, so here it is!

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 // The Vacationers by Emma Straub//

I started this book last summer, and picked it up a few times this school year hoping to finish it but to no avail. I finally was able to sit down and read it when I got home from school! Although the plot is pretty melancholy, I really enjoyed this one because each character has such a different way of thinking. The blurb on the back of the book reads that “this is a story of the sides of ourselves that we chose to show and those we try to conceal, of the ways we tear each other down and build each other up again, and the bonds that ultimately hold us together.” The way all of the characters develop throughout the course of the vacation was fun to follow! A great beach read.

// Little Bee by Chris Cleave //

After reading many mixed reviews about this one, I’m curious to see where I fall on the spectrum. The jacket claims “it is a truly special story.. Once you have read it, you’ll want to tell your friends about it. When you do, please don’t tell them what happens. The magic is in how the story unfolds.” It is the story of “two women’s tenuous friendship that blooms between two disparate strangers—one an illegal Nigerian refugee, the other a recent widow from suburban London.” I’ll let y’all know how I feel about this one!

// The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith//

I’m way late to this party! J.K. Rowling published another series under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, and it’s gotten a lot of mixed reviews just like “Little Bee.” I have actually started this one and I’m still in the stasis part of it, so no action has really happened. I tried to start reading Harry Potter but could never get into it so I’m hoping I’ll enjoy this one. Mystery novels are some of my all time favorites! “The Cuckoo’s Calling” is the first in the Cormoran Strike trilogy that follows a “barely scraping by… private investigator” who in the start of the first novel receives a case that “…plunges Strike into the world of multimillionaire beauties, rock-star boyfriends, and desperate designers, and it introduces him to every variety of pleasure, enticement, seduction, and delusion known to man.”

// Laura Lamont’s Life in Pictures by Emma Straub //

Written by the same author as “The Vacationers,” Emma Straub has done it again. Glitz and glam can always capture my attention and this book does not seem to be lacking it at all. “Elsa marries and flees to Los Angeles… [and is] discovered by Irving Green, one of the most powerful executives in Hollywood, who refashions her as a serious, exotic brunette and renames her Laura Lamont. Laura experiences all the glamour and extravagance of the heady pinnacle of stardom in the studio-system era, but ultimately her story is a timeless one of a woman trying to balance career, family, and personal happiness, all while remaining true to herself.” The theme of staying true to oneself is something every woman can relate to. I cannot wait to pick this one up and jump back in time to the 1920s!

 // The Last Tycoon by Scott F. Fitzgerald //

We all know Scott F. Fitzgerald for his classic, “The Great Gatsby.” I’ve read it and loved it, like most. His style of writing left me wanting more. I’ve done some research on some of his other novels and this one is supposedly one of his best. Set in jazz age, it tells “details [of] the film industry in Hollywood, initially from the viewpoint of a Studio Executive’s daughter, Cecilia Brady, then later following her father’s rival, Monroe Stahl.” It is very similar to the Great Gatsby in which there is a ‘middleman narrator’ who is “enamored with the central character.” The book was left unfinished by Scott F. Fitzgerald’s sudden death. If this novel is anything like the “Great Gatsby” I am positive I will thoroughly enjoy it!

Honorable mentions (including previous books I’ve read):

The Heiresses by Sara Shepard (Obsessed with PLL? Give this one a read!)

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella (Great plane book!)

Something Borrowed, Something Blue both by Emily Giffin (Couldn’t put it down!)

Of course you’ll need some reading glasses so you don’t strain your eyes doing all of this reading! I’m teaming up with Warby Parker for this post to bring y’all some of my favorite frames for the summer! The Streeter is the pair I’m sporting in the picture and I’m obsessed with the statement they make! Warby Parker’s summer 2016 collection is so stunning and trendy. They really do have the perfect pair of glasses for anyone. Here’s a few pairs I’m crushing on (I threw some sunnies in there, I couldn’t resist)…

Do y’all have any summer reads planned?

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**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Life Lately | May edition

Posted in Lifestyle
on 05/30/2016

June is just around the corner and I can’t wait! May was awfully fun and actually a bit sad because I had to leave my fave place Baton Rouge for the summer. Now I’m home and working up a storm! I’ve just been getting back into the swing of things working 30-35ish hours a week (gotta make that money so I can save that money)! Let’s recap my month of May…

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If y’all read my Freshman year recap you know I had a strong feelings towards my freshman dorm (RIP Joan, I’ll love ya forever) and my roomie, Olive. We really did have the most amazing freshman year and I could not be more thankful!

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My Alpha Phi chapter is moving into a new home next year, so I had to say my goodbyes to our temporary home. What an amazing year it was! I’ll never forget all the memories created in this house — aka pomping for 62.5 hours, eating alot of cereal, and printing a buttload of checks (lol).

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I kicked off the summer right with the 1975 concert in NOLA. They are one of my favorite bands and I was so delighted to be able to see them live with some pals. The lighting designer for their tour did a stellar job (as you can see) and every single song had different lighting to go along with it!

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Like I mentioned in my Grad gifts under 40 post, graduation season brings crawfish boils galore! My cousin graduated from LSU and had a crawfish boil to celebrate! The whole fam had a great time, even my siblings, who I had to force to take a picture with me :-)

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To-do lists are my thing no matter the time of year. During the summer, I work almost everyday and alot of my free time is devoted to Alpha Phi so I have to keep myself organized. This adorable to-do list is a savior.

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My everyday makeup has been pretty simple this month. I’ve been sticking to the basics with my tried and true products. Here’s a sneak peek of what I use. Would y’all like to see an everyday makeup post?

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Officially obsessed with this fun effect for my Instagram pics. It’s an app called YouDoodle and you can draw on your pictures. This editing took me a solid 45 minutes, but it turned out so stinking cute I thought it was worth it. This picture is from my post on 2 ways to style summer sneakers. PS: get you some Steve Madden slip ons — they are super comfy!

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Another look into my 2 ways to style sneakers post. I would have never dared to mix patterns like this a year ago, but my style has evolved so much! This dress and tied shirt combo was perfect for running errands around town because it was so breathable and comfy, but at the same time it looked really put to together!

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The Wedding Managers coming at ya! RGW (one of my close friends from high school) and I had the opportunity to help run our former theatre teacher’s wedding reception! We helped to set up the space and just generally make sure everything ran smoothly while having fun of course! Here’s a sweet lil pic of us channeling our in theatre kids (we miss it)!

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Another pic I doodled on! The gals and I took a day trip to NOLA last week and ended up taking some super cute pictures on the streets! We went to the Verti Marte (amazing food) and ther Odgen Museum of Art to try and find the “Before I die…” wall but it unfortunately had been taken down three days before (just our luck)!!

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NOLA adventure again! I was really digging  the architecture of this hotel (all white is one of my loves for interior/exterior design). The palms reminded me a bit of LA. Not sure why I included this in here, but hey why not!

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We (Catherine, me, and our Mamas) went to dinner the other night because my Catherine is leaving me for two months to go work in upstate NY /-: I’ll miss our dumb adventures this summer but I can’t wait to room with this babe in the fall! A Phi house here we come!

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My Sunday off was well appreciated this week! Mama and I relaxed by the pool and enjoyed our reads! I’m currently into “The Cuckoo’s Calling” by Robert Galbraith (I know I’m about two years late to read this book written by J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym but better late than never right?). The weather was great and I always love getting to lay out!

 What have y’all been up to this month on May? Give me some updates in the comments!

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Congrats Grad! | 10 grad gifts under $40

Posted in Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle
on 05/18/2016

Graduation season is among us! I literally remember graduating from high school like it was yesterday! It’s crazy how time flies! Graduation season brings a lot of crawfish boils (if you live in LA like me), and lots of gift giving. While money is always appreciated, sometimes it’s nice to give a physical item to show how much you care. So I’ve scoured the internet to bring to you 10 grad gifts under $40! 

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// ban.do portable charger //

My portable charger saved my life this year. Seriously. I took it with me for long game days, nights out, or as a “just in case.” I loved the charger that plugged straight into my phone so I didn’t have to carry around cords! This one from ban.do is adorable, yet so functional!

// coco and the little black dress //

Forever wishing I had a coloring book freshman year to relieve stress. Coco Chanel + coloring — it can’t get any better than that. Take this bad boy to the library for a study break, or just keep in your room to unwind at night.

// ban.do passport cover + luggage tag //

This little duo is perfect for a traveler! You’ll never misplace your luggage with this luggage tag, and this passport cover is just the cutest.

// voluspa candle //

Voluspa has THE BEST candles hands down. The packaging is so aesthetically pleasing and there’s such a wide variety of scents offered. Burning a candle in my room is one of my favorite things to do at night before bed — aka making this the perfect gift for a grad!

// bauble bar coordinates necklace //

This year I purchased a bar necklace and it’s become one of my favorite accessories. This bar necklace is customizable with coordinates! I’m thinking coordinates of home or maybe school would make it really special.

// alex + ani bangle //

Another one of my basic pieces that I can pair with anything and everything! Alex + Ani bangles are a sweet, yet simple gift that will be put to good use in any girl’s stack.

// s’well bottle //

Y’all know my thoughts on S’well bottles — love, love, love! I toted mine around all of second semester and I loved how stylish it was, while keeping my water cold. This is a great gift for an entering college student to use on campus, or graduating college student to use at the office.

// target reversible tote //

A big tote is a must for me at anytime of year! I love this one from Target because of the price and the fact that it’s reversible. This would be a fantastic over night bag, carry on, or even just everyday purse (if you have lots of stuff to tote around like me).

 

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Is there anything on this list you would add?

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An ode to freshman year | LGIP Blabbers

Posted in Lifestyle
on 05/10/2016

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Honestly, I dreaded writing this post because it would mean that it’s over. My freshman year of college is over. As depressed as it makes me, I absolutely cannot wait to experience what the rest of my three years at LSU holds for me. Freshman year was one hell of a ride. To take in every single moment would literally make this blog post go on for years on end :) So, I’ll save y’all some trouble and recap it in a few words.

Living on campus at LSU was ONE OF THE BEST THINGS I HAVE EVER DONE FOR MYSELF. I met so many friends from living in the 7 floor shack known as Miller, or the Miller Mansion. It was the classic all girls dorm — old, loud, and dirty (not surprised that over 600 can’t clean up after themselves). My roomie, Olive,  who has been featured on the blog and I were complete randoms and things could not have worked out any better. Olive, if you’re reading this please know I am hella thankful that we somehow found each other. If it weren’t for you I wouldn’t have had a shoulder to cry on, someone to eat with me at any hour of the day, a ride home from TL, or a second opinion on every outfit and every boy. Forever #535!

Recruitment was honestly something I had always assumed I would be partaking in, and I sure am glad about that. Rushing Alpha Phi, as corny as it sounds, has been one of best things to ever happen to me. I have met lifelong friends, mentors and I’ve become a more passionate leader. To my home away from home, I thank you for giving me memories to last a lifetime. I am so humbled to be able to take a part in something bigger than myself. Getting involved in Alpha Phi from the get-go was so instrumental in my wanting to run for executive board. I currently serve my chapter as our Director of Finance (aka Treasurer aka M-Money as I wish I was called lol) and while the job is a very large responsibility, I have such an amazing time giving back to Alpha Phi what it has given me in this short time I have been a member. I hope to continue to serve my chapter as a member of our executive board and hopefully when I graduate, apply to be an ELC. If you have the chance to rush, I would 10/10 recommend it.

Starting freshman year, I was so nervous about the leap from high school classes (even though I had taken some dual credit and AP courses in high school) to college ones. Going in, I had about 27 credit hours which got a lot of my basic classes out of the way. Second semester I was able to take major classes, and they have me really excited for future classes. I have decided to add a minor in Theatre to my college career, to complete my major in Fashion Merchandising and other minor in Business. I really enjoy school because it is challenging (Accounting killed me but thankfully I finished with a B- #blessed), and next semester should be interesting since I’ll be in some more major classes as well as some minor classes too! The course load in college definitely requires effort, but I think the jump is doable if you come with a good work ethic. I quickly learned I had to form good study habits, and learn the ropes of the library (club Mid) in order to be successful at LSU.

A huuugggeee part of LSU is gamedays/going out, and as much as I focus on my academics, I love a fun night out or gameday as much as any other LSU student. Tiger land is unlike anything I had ever seen before coming to LSU. Who knew that a run down group of bars would hold some of my favorite memories from freshman year? There is ALWAYS something to do at LSU whether it be a night out, gameday, fraternity party, or philanthropy event. Getting ready to go out is always such a fun time because I spent my days in norts and t-shirts so I loved getting dressed up to show people I don’t always look like a homeless sorority girl (lol). Gamedays never failed to be a literal shiz show. The gameday culture at LSU is a tradition I was so excited to be able to experience. I wrote one post a little bit about it here. The pride that comes with being an LSU fan is indescribable. Gameday really sealed the deal for me, confirming that LSU is where I am supposed to be.

I have learned a lot about myself this first year of college. I am more passionate about leading than I ever have been before. I’ve learned not to take anything too seriously. I’ve learned to cherish the moment because college only happens once and it will be the best four years of your life. I’ve learned not to let boys ruin my day. I’ve learned to talk to anyone you can — they could end up being your best friends. I’ve learned that the friendships that matter can withstand the test of anything. I’ve learned to take my studies seriously, but not to be afraid to have a fun night out. I’ve learned how to juggle school, sorority, and a social life. I’ve learned that I just gotta keep doing me and things will fall into place (with hard work and determination of course).

Freshman year, you’ll live on forever in my heart. I’ll never forget the growth I’ve experienced this year — whether it was the lifelong sisters and friends I’ve made, the solidity that the career I have chosen is for me, or just the general mantra that life will go on.

With all that being said, GEAUX TIGERS! Forever LSU!

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(aka the crazy loud girl who somehow manages to look like she has it mildly together but is running at a million miles an hour in her head — it’s an odd balance, don’t know how I do it)

PS: Thanks for sticking with me through my freshman year of college, I love y’all to the moon and back for it!

On My Radar | April

Posted in Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle
on 04/24/2016

On my radar for this crazy month of April is a mix of some beauty, fashion and fun. I’ve really been all over the place this month trying so many new things. I cannot think about April being almost over and May coming up right around the corner…. Summer come quick, but not too quick! Keep reading to find out what the heck I’ve been obsessed with this month.

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// sam edelman ervan gladiator sandals // 

I’d be lying if I told you I haven’t been obsessed with these sandals for the past two months. Every time I see them mentioned on a blog, boutique or magazine I die a little inside. I am in love with the cork sole and the studded exterior. I could see myself wearing these with dresses, shorts, skirts, and even jeans. Eventually these babes will be mine!!

// head and shoulders lavender shampoo + conditioner //

As a someone who is extremely impatient, I so frequently get tired of my shampoo and conditioner. I recently switched to this one after noticing how dry my scalp was. I love the smell and it’s really helped me curb my dry scalp. Would recommend this!

// covergirl the super sizer mascara //

I am soo dang particular about mascara, so often times I end up trying quite a few before I find one I like. My friend Catherine recommended this one to me and her lashes are always bomb so I picked it up from Walgreens one day. Can I just say…. DAMN. I love this mascara – the formula is perfect and does exactly what I want (volume and length) and the black color is striking!

// i like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful and so unaware of it (the 1975’s second album) //

One of my favorite bands recently released their new album and I’ve been LISTENING NONSTOP!! I’m not even kidding y’all. The whole album has an 80’s sound and it is amazing. Some of my faves are “This must be my dream” (I listen at least four times a day), “The sound” (so catchy), and “Lostmyhead.” I’ll link the album on spotify right here.

// off the shoulder tops //

Festival season is here and I have seen this off the shoulder trend EVERYWHERE. I am on the hunt for some affordable off the shoulder tops to wear this summer. I linked some I like a lot below.

// luster now! instant whitening toothpaste //

After a random trip to Walmart in need of some toothpaste, I walked away with this. It promises whiter teeth after every brushing. I’ve been seeing some results from it, and I’m happy about that. Ya girl drinks too much coffee (caramel macchiato erryday) so I’m always concerned about yellowing teeth. I would recommend for the price!

// alex and and charm bracelet //

I have one alex and ani bracelet and I want to get a few more so I can stack them with my watch. I love gold jewelry, so I’m leaning towards an Alpha Phi bangle so I can rep everywhere I go.

// saint laurent espadrille wedge sandal //

The espadrille is back and better than ever y’all. This year especially, I have been super into shoes. I love these for the spring and summer to pair with a dress or some shorts. They are so stinking cute. The only downside? The $500 price tag. I guess I’ll need to start saving or find a cheaper alternative… :/

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Any thing y’all are obsessed with that I should know about? Share with me below! Until next time my loves…xoxo-lgip-jpg

Hump day celebration | LGIP Blabbers

Posted in Lifestyle
on 04/14/2016

I’ve been spending my days in norts and t-shirts, so I’ll take any excuse to get dressed up! Yesterday night  my gal pals and I got dressed up to celebrate to dear friends Maria and Elise birthdays (aka a hump day celebration)!

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(Once again shout out to my iPhone for these fly pics)

We went to Caliente, our local Mexican restaurant for some bomb queso, chips and salsa (honestly I live off of that stuff). I ended up wearing this paisley Free People dress, and my OTBT Bushnell wedges (still obsessed y’all). Getting dressed up is one of my favorite things to do, so I thoroughly enjoyed last night being able to eat good food and enjoy some good company! Y’all can shop my look below:

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Also help me out and let me know what kind of posts you’d like to see? More OOTDs? More random blabbing posts? More picks for different occasions?

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